Vermilion Parish Municipal Narcotics Task Force Arrest

The Vermilion / Municipal Narcotics Task Force made an arrest on an Abbeville man Tuesday evening after receiving information that the suspect was dealing illicit drugs in the Abbeville area.

- Agents conducted a search warrant in Live Oak Manor Apartments, and on an abandoned vehicle, each yielding the seizure of illegal narcotics. After gaining access to Apt 139 agents arrested one Travis Williams (dob 4-18-87) of Abbeville after he was found to be in possession of MDMA (ecstasy), Xanex and several small packets of cocaine, broken down for street sale. Information obtained by agents indicated that the suspect(s) had packages more of the drug and moved them to other locations. The second search warrant on an abandoned vehicle yielded the cooked form of cocaine known as crack. Sheriff Mike Couvillon states, "This is not an uncommon thing. These drug dealers will hide the drugs in other areas such as abandoned houses, cars or in places not in close proximity to them, thinking they can't be charged with the drug if it is found. What they don't realize is these agents have already obtained enough evidence in the case to tie them to the drugs. It takes a little more work, and is a bit more time consuming, but as the trends of these parasites on our community evolve, so do we in law enforcement." Williams was arrested and charged with possession of a Schedule IV, and a schedule I drug and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. Total bond has not been set at this time.

Sheriff Mike Couvillon would like to thank the following persons for their effort in assisting with Task Force personnel. Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza, Kaplan Mayor Kirk Champagne, Abbeville Chief of Police Tony Hardy and Kaplan Chief Boyd Adams "I realize times are financially tough all over, but the Mayors and Chiefs of these cities are committed to finding the funds to help the Task Force combat the illicit drugs problem that ruins our communities. The people of Vermilion and our children are the benefactors of these city leaders' great efforts. It is my hope that in the near future other towns and cities in the parish of Vermilion will be able to assist in the continuing fight against illicit drugs."

Finally, Sheriff Couvillon would like to applaud the concerned citizens of Vermilion Parish for their awareness and assistance in helping the Sheriff's Office in fighting the war on illegal drugs. He encourages all citizens with information in regards to illegal drug activities to contact the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office or the Vermilion Parish Municipal Narcotics Task Force at 337-740-4501 or E-mail the Task Force anonymously at taskforce@vpso.net and your e-mail will be held in the "strictest of confidence" and replied to in a very timely manner.

More information on reporting drug activities can be seen on our Web Site at www.vpso.net. Click on Task Force for this information.